One of the most profound developments in the modern world is the self-reliance program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The concept of self-reliance contrasts starkly with political systems and politicians who promise to solve problems through their programs. They often engender reliance on government instead of self-reliance.
Zion will come when people are prepared and eager to build Zion. The self-reliance program prepares people by teaching them how to gain an education, start a business, get a better job, and manage their finances.
The program also includes a class in resilience, titled Emotional Resilience, that is preparing participants to help lay the foundation for Zion.
The contents of the course demonstrate how powerful this class is:
1. Building Emotional Resilience
2. Healthy Thinking Patterns
3. Our Body and Emotions
4. Managing Stress and Anxiety
5. Understanding Sadness and Depression
6. Overcoming Anger
7. Managing Addictive Behaviors
8. Building Healthy Relationships
9. Providing Strength to Others
10. Moving Forward with Faith
The scriptures explain that we should be honored in laying the foundation.
7 And also that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand;
8 And also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail;
9 Yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all nations shall be invited.
(Doctrine and Covenants 58:7–9)